WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced Monday the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is awarding $299,973 to the Crooked River Water Quality Partnership, in collaboration with the Deschutes River Conservancy, through its WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program.
This federal funding will be used to formalize the Partnership, identify priority projects and develop project designs to reduce nutrient pollution in the Lower Crooked River Watershed, which will enhance water quality to better meet the diverse needs of the region.
“A reliable, quality water supply is vital for Oregon’s communities, Tribes, farmers and ranchers, and for many iconic wildlife species to thrive,” Merkley said. “This WaterSMART funding will cement a new, diverse partnership in Central Oregon and fuel projects that lead to improved water quality for the wide array of folks who rely on the Lower Crook River Watershed.”
“Improved water quality and dependability for Oregonians plus protections for the Lower Crooked River Watershed add up to a winning equation for Central Oregon,” Wyden said. “I’m gratified the teamwork with local, state and federal partners to protect and enhance this natural treasure has earned this investment that will generate gains that ripple out for Tribes, farmers and ranchers.”
“The DRC is very grateful to the BOR for this grant award and excited to help support and strengthen the collaborative partnerships working on water quality concerns in the lower Crooked River. The Crooked River is an integral component to the overall health and function of the Deschutes River Basin and an important tributary for culturally significant species like spring Chinook and summer steelhead – high priorities for our Tribal partners,” said Jim Bond, Program Director at the Deschutes River Conservancy. “This significant funding could not come at a better time and marks an important step toward restoring the lower Crooked and supporting the wildlife and communities that depend on it.”
In total, the Bureau of Reclamation announced an $8.9 million investment for 18 WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program cooperative projects across the country. Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these projects are targeted to protect watershed health and build more resilient water supplies across the West by bringing together diverse stakeholders to develop solutions that meet local water management needs.
In addition, Merkley and Wyden are also champions of the Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act. This critical legislation would reauthorize the Deschutes River Conservancy’s eligibility to receive federal funding for water quality and conservation projects—efforts critical to the restoration of wildlife and reducing agricultural runoff in Central Oregon rivers.
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